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What is a wastewater treatment operator and how to become one
Wastewater is water that is no longer useful and may contain oils, chemicals, food waste, or sewage. The water is collected in treatment plants and treated to prevent environmental pollution or contamination. A wastewater treatment operator is employed in such facilities to ensure that wastewater is properly cleaned of contaminants before it is put back into the environment. They replace and maintain the systems and equipment that process wastewater. They are also responsible for running the equipment, controlling the processes, and monitoring the plants that treat the water.
A wastewater treatment operator should know how to operate, maintain, and clean primary and secondary wastewater treatment equipment and facilities. The operator should also learn to handle chemicals, sample wastewater, and process control tests. Put simply; they must know wastewater treatment principles. Waste operators work for the government or developers and earn as much as $42,760 a year, which is about $20.56 per hour.
Avg. Salary $45,618
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2.48%
Asian 1.84%
Black or African American 7.64%
Hispanic or Latino 12.41%
Unknown 4.56%
White 71.07%
Genderfemale 9.02%
male 90.98%
Age - 47.5American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47.5Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Wastewater treatment operator career paths
Key steps to become a wastewater treatment operator
Explore wastewater treatment operator education requirements
Start to develop specific wastewater treatment operator skills
Skills Percentages Plant Equipment 4.97% Process Control 4.94% Blowers 4.89% Preventative Maintenance 4.74% Ladders 4.19% Complete relevant wastewater treatment operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New wastewater treatment operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a wastewater treatment operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real wastewater treatment operator resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed wastewater treatment operator usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed wastewater treatment operator in most of states. 34 states require wastewater treatment operators to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alabama - - Certified Water Treatment Operator Arkansas Specific course required State exam required Water Treatment Operator California - State exam required Water Treatment Operator Colorado - State exam required Plant Operators Certification Connecticut - State exam required Water Treatment Plant Operator - Class II Gain additional wastewater treatment operator certifications
More About CertificationsWastewater treatment operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific wastewater treatment operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for wastewater treatment operators include Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Research wastewater treatment operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
- Monitor plant and lift station performance by regularly checking SCADA system on computer.
- Inspect facilities, equipment and plumbing for effects for corrosive, flammable and combustible gas.
- Optimize internal controls and process to comply with new parameters set by EPA and JCA.
Prepare your wastewater treatment operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your wastewater treatment operator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a wastewater treatment operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable wastewater treatment operator resume templates
Build a professional wastewater treatment operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your wastewater treatment operator resume.
Apply for wastewater treatment operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a wastewater treatment operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average wastewater treatment operator salary
The average wastewater treatment operator salary in the United States is $45,618 per year or $22 per hour. Wastewater treatment operator salaries range between $32,000 and $64,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
